Who could have predicted that a night of music would end in one of the deadliest man-made disasters in Dominican Republic history? The roof collapse accident at the legendary Jet Set Club on early Tuesday was so devastating that the rescue operation is still going on with suspicion of more bodies and injured trapped under the rubble. The disaster was enough to send shockwaves across the MLB community. A joyful night of music turning into a scene of death is beyond anyone’s worst nightmare; but what caused the disaster?

Reportedly the club hosted Rubby Pérez on Monday night, just before the roof collapsed. The club was well-known for its Monday night merengue celebrations, which attracted prominent Dominicans and celebrities from around the world. Hence, the casualties include a few government officials, MLB players, and others. A video shared by the MLB insider Mike Rodriguez shows how the bar area is intact after the roof collapses and bottles are left untouched. Rodriguez also indicated how the lack of columns might be the reason the roof came down.

“The drinks remained intact. If you look closely, in such a large space, no columns were supporting the weight of the roof. However, the bar section did have a column, which explains why that area didn’t collapse.”

The untouched Jack Daniels bottles in the video hint at how lively the evening had been at the Jet Set Club — until disaster struck. Just before it comes to a tragic end. However, as said, humanity is seen at the most challenging times, and the former MLB utility player Tony Blanco proved that. MLB insider Hector Gomez quoted former MLB player Esteban German to share the act of heroism by Blanco.

“Former MLB player Esteban Germán told me that at the time of the collapse in Jet Set, he was returning from the bathroom and, before sitting down at the table, Tony Blanco pushed him when he realized part of the ceiling was about to fall on him. Unfortunately, Blanco didn’t suffer the same fate as Germán and died seconds later.”

It looks like heaven just welcomed a new angel.

As per the latest report by Reuters, the death toll has crossed 184, and there is suspicion of more to add. Opened in 1973, Jet Set Club was a legendary establishment of its sort in the Dominican Republic. It was known for its “Jet Set Mondays,” featuring local and international artists and it brings in good visitors all year. However, the club reportedly was hit by lightning in 2023 and had repairs in 2010 and 2015. It’s now up to the authorities to identify the reasons for the disaster.

Till then, the long list of casualties that includes a few MLB stars is getting extended every hour.

Jet Set Club’s casualty list includes some big names 

Every life lost is a tragedy — but the presence of public figures highlights just how beloved and iconic Jet Set Club truly was. Rubby Pérez, a merengue singer who was playing just before the roof fell, was initially reported to have been saved by his relatives. However, the mystery around his demise spiraled when his body was reportedly discovered early on Wednesday. Perez’s body is confirmed by Juan Manuel Méndez, director of the Center of Emergency Operations. The most notable name among those demised is the former MLB legend Octavio Dotel, who was rescued from the debris but passed away in a hospital.

Blanco wasn’t the only hero that night. Nelsy Cruz, sister of the former MLB All-Star Nelson Cruz, committed something similar to Blanco. Nelsy Cruz was the governor of the northwestern province of Montecristi and reportedly, she was the first to call President Luis Abinader from under the debris. Upon her call, the authorities acted swiftly. Sadly, Nelsy died later in a hospital. While these incidents are by far the worst one can imagine, it is the authority who is responsible for bringing the truth to the public.

“That needs to be investigated; the people need to know why that place hasn’t been maintained,” Rodriguez rightly said.

Meanwhile, this world has lost some of her good Samaritans. To all who have faced the tragic end, rest in peace. And Blanco and Nelsy, we owe you a lot.